Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has spoken on the preparation for the September 19 poll, saying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has started indulging in violence.
He raised the alarm that the opposition party is desperate to return to power, which it lost to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following his defection from the APC.
Obaseki warned against rigging, vowing to resist malpractices during the election.
“Nobody can rig in Edo State. Edo will not allow rigging,” he said.
The governor said he lacked capacity for thuggery, warning violent elements planning mayhem during the election to desist.
He spoke with reporters in Lagos on his achievements in the last three and half years, electoral promises and brewing tension ahead of the poll.
The governor was accompanied by his media adviser, Crusoe Osagie.
Obaseki said: “I sm a successful governor who has worked in the last four years. I don’t need a job. I can afford to walk away. But, I have to defend millions of our people.”
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He said he had focused on the repositioning of Edo State, stressing that his efforts have yielded dividends for the people.
The governor said: “We are talking less and working more. We are deviating from the style and pattern of old politics.”
Obaseki said massive infrastructural development, increased internally generated revenue and regular payment of salaries have not been compromised.
The governor said his infrastructure battle has opened up the state and attracted investors.
He explained that he stepped on toes by rejecting the notion of ownership of Edo by the privileged few who are oblivious of the plight of the masses.
In his view, some charlatans who have not worked in their life were peddling falsehoods about his administration.
He said the state is not meant for politicians alone, but for the masses who deserve more dividends of democracy.
The governor drew attention to his educational programmes, which he said, has been lauded for its impact on pupils and the school system.
He said the programmes have turned around basic education and enhance teacher training, stressing that parents now move their children from private to public schools.
